Tips » How To
Isn't the "bod pod" the best body fat testing device in the world?
I have not used these. A lot of people call this the gold standard, but without much backing. Basically, because it is a big piece of equipment and used in universities, the assumption is that this is more accurate. The reality is that, like many other testing methods, the data is based on averages across the general population.
So if you are the average American - sedentary and borderline obese - then you will probably get a good score. If you are fit and active or approaching lower body fat, I wouldn't waste your $$$. If I remember correctly, my former coach, David Greenwalt, was preparing for a show and had measured himself with calipers at 6% body fat. Now, we could argue all day what the exact body fat was - you could see his abs, veins on his torso, separation between muscle, etc - basically, you could not pinch an inch on him. He tells me he went to see what the ole dunk tank would test him at. After submerging, etc, and going through the ordeal, guess what? It clocked him well over 10% - I believe something like 12 or 13! It was way off in his case.
Like other methods, it has its inherent errors.
Bod Pod - requires that you exhale as it tests volume, so results can very just on your ability to clear your lungs
Calipers - depends on where you store your fat and how well the technician is at taking consistent "pinches"
Dunk test – based on a statistical distribution of your internal organs, etc, i.e. not necessary valid for each individual
Bioelectric - uses resistance, and while the equations are based on correlations with fat; water balance, food, sodium balance, etc can all affect the readings